Basics of the Christian Life
July-August 2019
The Beginning of the Christian Life
July 7, 2019 • Andy Davis
Jesus makes a radical difference in the lives of those who offer a genuine commitment to Him. So drastic is this difference that Jesus describes it as being born a second time, a completely new life begins. At the heart of this change is a change of identity from the old self to the new self.
The Battle for the Christian Life
July 14, 2019 • Andy Davis
Those who start living for Jesus soon realize it is a struggle to do what Jesus wants. Why is that? When a person grows spiritually, should they expect the struggle to go away? Followers of Jesus discover they are caught between the old self and the new self. What does life in the middle look like?
The Blueprint for the Christian Life
July 21, 2019 • Andy Davis
Many Christians think spiritual growth happens automatically. They go to church as much as they can while assuming they will start becoming like Jesus. However, this just isn't the case, spiritual growth does not happen automatically. The Christian life must be nurtured. But how?
The Book of the Christian Life
July 28, 2019 • Andy Davis
Reading the Bible consistently is a challenge. Even if someone wants to read the Bible, it can be a struggle to get anything meaningful out of it. It is easy to end up with more questions than answers. Plus, the Bible is probably the longest book we will ever read. It takes a lot of time, energy, and concentration to read the Bible cover to cover. Why should I sacrifice my time to read the Bible?
The Benefit of the Christian Life
August 4, 2019 • Andy Davis
Trusting Jesus for the forgiveness of our immoral actions grants access to the resources of God. God gives us the precious gift of the Holy Spirit through whom we can possess His divine nature which makes us become like Jesus. However, it seems that there are many Christians who don't act like Jesus. Why is that? James 4:2 tells us the reason is because we don't ask God for the good things He offers us in prayer. James 4:3 tells us we don't receive what we ask for because we ask for selfish reasons. Followers of Jesus need to learn how to pray effectively so they can receive the good things God offers them. How do we pray productively?
The Behavior of the Christian Life
August 11, 2019 • Rev. Andy Davis
1 John 2:6 informs us about a specific lifestyle required for those who follow Jesus. If the Christian life is to be lived out according to the expectations of Jesus, this lifestyle must be understood. The main motivating force that energizes the Christian life is a love for God. We must be careful to properly understand what the love of God is and how it influences the way we live for Jesus.